precursor
noun
a person or thing that precedes, as in a job, a method, etc.; predecessor.
precursors
-
pluralof precursor.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The use of the books at issue to train Claude and its precursors was exceedingly transformative and was a fair use,” Alsup noted in his earlier judgment.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
These sedimentary rocks contain petroleum precursors that have spent millions of years deep underground.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 9, 2026
The White House document claimed they had discussed Chinese investment in U.S. industries, purchases of U.S. oil and agricultural products, and ending the flow of fentanyl precursors into the U.S.
From Slate ● May 16, 2026
U.S. officials want China’s help going after the makers of precursors, though Washington has long been frustrated by what officials have viewed as Beijing dragging its feet.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026
In reality, even for the most famous and apparently decisive modern inventions, neglected precursors lurked behind the bald claim “X invented Y.”
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
